“The People’s Canopy project was conceived to bridge across locations and cultures and now it connects islands.

After its launch in Preston, Hong Kong is the second site to host the People’s Canopy; an apt location to highlight the historic and cultural ties between these two parts of the world.” James Shen, Designer and Architect

There is a strong UK connection at this year’s UABBHK; all of the curators are affiliated with University College London and renowned British architect Sir Peter Cook will be one of the speakers at the opening ceremony.

The only Biennale of its kind in the world, the theme of UABBHK 2015/16 is ‘Visions 2050: Lifestyle and the Smart City’, focusing on the relationship between how we conduct our daily life and the physical environment around us. The Canopy will be installed in the plaza, to play a central role at the opening of the Biennale on 11 December.

“The People’s Canopy project began during a visit to Beijing by In Certain Places in 2014, and developed through an on-the-ground engagement with the people and places of Preston by People’s Architecture Office. The presentation of the Canopy at the 2015/16 Hong Kong Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture, marks a new, important step in this cross-cultural collaboration, which celebrates the connections and specificities of two very different places.” Professor Charles Quick, In Certain Places